Scale Up CLT: Diverse Business Accelerator Scholarship
The purpose of the Scale Up CLT Scholarship is to accelerate the growth of minority-owned businesses in the Charlotte region by fostering:
- A greater market alignment between corporations and diverse suppliers
- A more inclusive business environment within enhanced social capital between entrepreneurs of color and potential business customers and investors
- An elevated understanding of the impact of diverse businesses to Charlotte’s regional economic growth and sustainability
Program Overview
In partnership with Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) Charlotte and the City of Charlotte’s AMP UP Program, The CLT Alliance Foundation will provide a financial scholarship for qualifying, minority-owned businesses to participate in the EO Accelerator. The EO Accelerator is a learning program for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business beyond the $1 million threshold through learning content that builds business leadership acumen and access to mentors, business leaders, entrepreneurial peers, and subject matter experts. Participating companies will also receive CLT Alliance investor level benefits that will provide opportunities to build relationships with business leaders and key decision makers in the Charlotte region.
Scale Up CLT scholarship benefits include:
- Partial funding for EO Accelerator valued at $2,500 (Note: Scale UP CLT participants are required to pay $1,000 of the EO Accelerator fees)
- Access to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Ally level investor benefits for one year, which includes participation in the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Fall 2021 Planning Leadership Retreat, Exploring Economies – Austin in 2022, and Investor Quarterly Meetings
Participant Criteria
- Companies must be at least 51% racial/ethnic minority-owned
- Companies must have gross yearly revenues between US $250,000 to $1 million.
NOTE: Only qualified applicants will be considered. Qualification does not ensure admission into the program. Sponsorships are limited and all applicants are subject to approval by partner organizations
